Diamond Rings: What To Look Out For

Clarity is one of the four C's that influences the quality of the diamond. It refers to the number of flaws found in a diamond. These flaws are imperfections caused by mistakes in cutting or that spring up from the original rock. A diamond with poor clarity will have faults that can be easily observed, and may even be seen with the naked eye. They will not look charming set in diamond rings, and have low resell value. In contrast, a diamond with great clarity is highly sought after by collectors, and will be a gift of true value to loved ones.

Flaws can be divided into two; external flaws are called blemishes, whereas flaws within the diamond, that can modify its ability to reflect light, are called inclusions. Since inclusions get in the way of a diamond's sparkle, they can reduce the value of a diamond more, but they can also be useful. Inclusions can be used to identify specific diamonds as a sort of diamond fingerprint. In this way, you would be able to secure your diamond rings.

Diamonds are graded based on how easy it is to perceive these flaws. They go through this process while they are still loose diamonds. There are several gemological organizations worldwide that have developed separate grading systems, although in many cases they are very similar. You should familiarize yourself with the grading system used in the store where you buy your diamond. When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. It is a standard accepted by gemological organizations across the board.

To ensure you get diamonds of the highest clarity, get loose diamonds first. You can make an ocular inspection of the diamonds before buying. The jeweler should let you borrow their loupe or magnifier so that you can view them under 10 x magnification if asked. If they are hesitant to let you take a closer look, it's a red flag to look elsewhere.

Be careful when picking jewelry stores as well. One store may be offering dirt cheap sales, or limited period sales. You may think you're getting a good deal; but they'll lose most of their value in as short as ten years. You'll want to get diamonds of lasting value. You can buy a good quality diamond at a reasonable price, if you take the time to learn about diamonds.

When buying diamond rings, you will want to check the clarity of the diamond above anything else. Clarity is one of the main factors used in gauging a diamond's monetary value. Jewelry stores are not always what they appear to be. To guarantee you get diamonds of the best clarity, purchase loose diamonds first. You can get a high quality diamond at a sensible price, but only if you study your diamonds.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond""A Background

Of all the C's of diamonds, cut is perhaps the least understood though it has profound impact on the aesthetics and value of these fine jewelry pieces. It is noteworthy that well cut diamonds could value 40 to 50 percent more than their poorly cut counterparts. As such, a prospective buyer should fully understand the value of cutting when it comes to diamonds. With regards to diamonds, cut or make pertains to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that have direct impact on the levels of their fire and brilliance.

The three most basic cutting techniques used for fine jewelry diamonds include the brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut utilizes several facets that are usually triangular and kite in shape and are arranged in a particular manner to optimized the diamonds' brilliance. A step cut have fewer facets than that of the brilliant cut, commonly rectangular or trapezoid in shape and are arranged in a linear format. On the other hand, a mixed cut uses combined elements from the step cut and brilliant cut techniques.

From the above alluded techniques though, the brilliant cut is probably the most famous due to its ability to reveal the maximum fire and brilliance of diamonds. But, when combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will definitely show an imposing beauty and value that will endure the test of time. While there are many shapes that complement brilliant cutting, it is perhaps the round shape that truly stands out. As a matter of fact, round brilliant cut is the most famous shape that is closely identified with the mentioned cutting technique.

A round brilliant cut sparkler has 58 facets, 33 of which are located on the crown, 24 on the bottom, and one on the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are called "full cut" to properly distinguish them from "single cut" stones that have 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" diamonds that have 33 facets only. With all these information perhaps you're now wondering, what is with these round brilliant diamonds that make them valuable? The answer is that since this shape has no corners it displays the most liveliness as it is capable of reflecting the most light that passes through the stones due to its perfect proportions.

The round brilliant cut is an established favorite and considered "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only because of its premium brilliance but also its ability to suit all types of jewelry pieces. Diamonds cut this way are commonly incorporated on engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be arranged easily regardless of the shape and form of the jewelry. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Basically, this cut warrants functionality and versatility that other cutting styles could not produce.

As mentioned earlier, different cutting techniques could be used for diamonds. What might look strange to some, might be ideal for others. If you have the intent to purchase diamonds, regardless if they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, always consider the cut that you like and not the cut that your friend likes; remember proportionally cut diamonds does not always warrant the highest cut grades from GIA, there are actually diamonds that aren't cut ideally but they are far more valuable than the ones that have an ideal cut. The most important action that you could take is to compare diamonds of differing qualities and prices, as this is an efficient means to train your eyes to properly identify their differences when it comes to fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.

Round brilliant cut diamonds, whether loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, are known for their maximum brilliance and fire. Because of this, the round brilliant cutting style has become an established favorite among jewelers and jewelry buyers alike. Such combination of shape and cut is also known for its ability to complement all sorts of fine jewelry pieces ranging from engagement rings to earrings.

-Lorraine Jacobs

Round Brilliant Cut: Increasing The Value Of Your Loose Diamonds

From the earliest times, diamonds have amazed mankind. They are probably the most revered articles of accents provided by nature; deeply symbolizing beauty and forever. Among all the stones that our world holds, diamonds are the most preeminent and sought after. Regardless if they are loose diamonds or blood diamonds, one thing is for sure, generations after generations of people will successively enjoy their beauty and value.

Due to our inclination to diamonds, these stones became permanent fixtures during betrothals, weddings and other special occasions. Fine diamond rings and almost all articles of jewelry made from diamonds have turned into valuable belongings equally at par with real estate and artworks. Due to these, purchasing diamond pieces has turned into an endeavor that requires thorough understanding of the stones characteristics in order to make wise choices. While much has been said about the clarity, color, and carat of diamonds, not all of us are very familiar about the facet of diamond cutting.

Cut with an emphasis on diamonds, refers to the guide of style or design used to shape a diamond for polishing. As oppose to shape, this feature is what defines the symmetry, proportioning and polish of a diamond, which all affect the stone's brilliance and fire. Practical history of diamond cutting dates back to the middle ages and is continuously innovated to date. Despite the emergence of new cutting styles, the round brilliant cut remains as the most popular of its kind.

Round brilliant cut was first introduced in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, Belgian diamond cutter. An engineer by profession, Tolkowsky developed this cut based from precise mathematical and empirical analysis that accounted the essence of brilliance and fire in diamonds. As a result, a diamond that had undergone this cutting style exemplifies 58 facets; 33 of which are on the top of the stone and 25 are in the bottom part of the gem including its culet or point. Similarly, since a single cut produces two diamonds, one is larger than the other, very few diamond pieces are wasted.

When a round brilliant cut diamond is cut well, the shape produced allows light to pass through from any angle, thereby making the diamond to have greater brilliance and fire. Due to its relatively safe shape, it is considered as the best choice of cut in terms of its "saleability," optics as well as insurability. Other than these features, diamonds that are round brilliant in cut are also appreciated for their versatility to suit almost all types of jewelry setting. No wonder, approximately 75 percent of diamond jewelry sales around the world are accounted to this form of cut.

If you are shopping for loose diamonds that you would be customizing into jewelry later on, it would be more preferable to go for the ones that are round brilliant in cut. Based from the characteristics mentioned above, this cut would surely help you maximize the value of your diamonds in many aspects including its saleability and insurability. Nonetheless, with its versatile nature, you will not have any trouble finding the right setting for your diamond jewelry. To simply put it, you can never go wrong with diamonds that are round brilliant in cut.

Loose diamonds are always appropriated for fine diamond rings and other fine jewelry pieces. This is because they give individuals the option to choose the setting that would befit their design preference. In order to further reinforce the beauty of loose sparkler, most jewelers would suggest that it would be more preferable to pick round brilliant cut diamonds since such cut is considered as the highest quality pattern that maximizes the brilliance and fire of diamonds to their full extent.

-Lorraine Jacobs